The NFL has descended upon Indianapolis for the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. This marks a key point in the draft timeline for players and teams. It is also the unofficial start of NFL free agency as player agents and team personnel begin informal discussions.
The Combine can help answer several questions teams (and fans) may have about draft prospects. The Chiefs have been dedicated to taking top-shelf athletes based upon Combine performances in the past. The Combine will take place over the rest of this week with position groups participating in interviews, medical checks, on-field drills, and more on varying days.
To find out more about some of these players, or to see our rankings be sure to bookmark the Arrowhead Addict Big Board. Our Kansas City Chiefs-specific draft board is tailored toward the Chiefs' needs and preferences.
2024 NFL Scouting Combine schedule
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) February 25, 2024
(Feb. 25th-March 4th): pic.twitter.com/Bn8SH6huRH
Let's take a look at some enticing players at each offensive position for Chiefs Kingdom to keep an eye on.
Quarterbacks
The Chiefs seem to have a pretty good QB situation currently, but the position is still the controlling force in the draft. Chiefs fans should be rooting for Michigan's JJ McCarthy, Oregon's Bo Nix, and Washington's Michael Penix to have big weeks in Indy. It seems certain that at least four quarterbacks are going in the 1st round as it is, but one or two more would push even more talent down to the Chiefs' pick at No. 32 overall.
As far as developmental back-ups go at quarterback, Tenessee's Joe Milton is big and strong and has a cannon of an arm. He played in a simplified offense that will force him into a major learning curve at the next level but he has unteachable traits. Tulane's Michael Pratt is a little more of a tape-first evaluation as he doesn't have the biggest arm or freakish athleticism, but he sees the middle of the field well and is a great competitor.
Running Backs
A position of need for the Chiefs, there is no clear standout prospect this year. Look for Wisconsin's Braelon Allen to have a big Combine as he's a size/speed back who is still just 20 years old.
Trey Benson from Florida State and Will Shipley from Clemson both profile out as three-down backs at the next level who need to showcase speed and athleticism to cement themselves as Day 2 players.
Oregon's Bucky Irving would be a nice replacement for Jerick McKinnon but his measurements are going to be worth monitoring—5'10', 190 lbs. is what he's listed at, but any smaller could limit his impact.
Tennessee's Jaylen Wright's stock has continued to rise, and his burst and impact in the passing game is something all offenses need. A big weekend from him could push up towards the top of the position group.
A name I like for the Chiefs is Dylan Laube out of New Hampshire—a smaller change-of-pace back that can align out wide, from the slot, or in the backfield as a pass catcher. His size will be important for pass protection.
Offensive Line
Tackle is obviously a large need for the Chiefs. There are some players for whom length will be key for their future at tackle. Arizona's Jordan Morgan moves like a tackle but had sub-33" arms reportedly at the Senior Bowl. Washington's Troy Fautanu is in the same boat, as his tape is excellent but his frame might have him at guard at the next level. Javon Foster from Missouri is another name I like, but length will determine if he's a tackle.
Look for Amarius Mims to put on a show. He might be one of the biggest freaks at the position we've seen. Fully healed from ankle surgery, he should put on a show. Some tackles need to show something strength-wise this week as well. BYU's Kingsley Suamatatia, Houston's Patrick Paul, and Oklahoma's Tyler Guyton all have ideal frames but could use a good showing if they choose to bench press.
Wide Receiver
The position Chiefs fans will all be talking about. This class is rich in talent but there are several players who can alter their stock based upon their performances this week. Adonai Mitchell from Texas and Keon Coleman out of Florida State both have some up-and-down tape along with some highlight-level plays. You'd like to see some explosive traits from both players (10-yard split, shuttle, etc.) before you feel good about them as first-round picks.
Xavier Worthy from Texas has a chance to be one of the fastest players at the combine, and because of his size he needs to be as advertised. Michigan's Roman Wilson has continued to climb up draft boards after a great Senior Bowl showing. With a track background he could be a top performer.
Some deeper prospects I like for the Chiefs: Javon Baker out of UCF is a complete route runner and a former 5-star recruit who transferred from Alabama. I'd like to see him show well in explosiveness and straight-line speed. He's struggled to beat press coverage in the past.
Virginia's Malik Washington is electric with the ball in his hand and is more than just a YAC guy. He runs a nice route tree and is competitive at the catch for his size. His measurements and speed will be important as well. Anthony Gould from Oregon State is another Day 3 prospect who I like for the Chiefs who might have a big combine.
Tight End
The tight end class isn't overwhelming but there is a nice variety of players to fill certain needs. Georgia's Brock Bowers will be the headliner, but it will be interesting to see how he tests relative to his tape. Ja'Tavion Sanders from Texas is firmly TE2 currently, but he needs to have a nice showing. As more of a push and pester blocker, Sanders' traits will be big for him as an offensive weapon.
Michigan's AJ Barner is more of a traditional "Y" tight end that can play inline. As is often the case with Michigan players, he figures to be a strong tester. He was rarely used as a pass catcher but some strong agility numbers could push him up boards.
TCU's Jared Wiley is a nice athlete who will pop when it comes to athletic testing. He's not a complete blocker but he could potentially have the best 40-yard dash time at the position. Ben Sinnott is a complete run blocker who rarely goes down on first contact. Teams are going to love his competitiveness, and if he can showcase average speed and separation, people will be surprised how early he might be drafted.